Spent a day in Helsinki.

Pyöräily
1

You guys have horrible roads. I am thinking that running 23mm would be foolish, but I saw many roadies and they didn’t seem to mind.

I was riding a mini mtb (a mtb that is too small for me) with fat 26" tires (maybe 2.5" or more) and I was afraid that my Seiko auto would fall apart from the vibrations.

It is probably my fault for not knowing the area and getting lost, but getting lost never hurt so much. I was thinking of deflating my tires but I decided to leave, I will be back soon with a front shock and 37mm tires.

2

Haha.

Pansy.

3

In our defense I have to say that the roads and bikepaths in and near the metropolitan area are horrible, but the countryside generally has good surfaces and is enjoyable to ride. Pedestrians and bikes don’t get the same level of attention as cars in Finland*, so whenever possible, ride with the cars.

[li] I’m generalizing[/li]

4

Spent a year in the UK recently. Shitey roads there, too. Luckily, my Seiko Quartz was able to handle it.

5

That’s a very bad piece of advice in my opinion. In Finland, you’re never allowed to assume the primary position, which makes you very vulnerable as compared to other road users. The cars don’t see you, and if they do, they really don’t care. If you, on the other hand, assume the primary position - which is the only reasonable thing to do for anyone ‘riding with the cars’ - you are acting against the rules.

6

Butthurt?

7

Wristhurt, tiny bike, not much time in the saddle.

Wait, the law says I can’t ride in the center or slightly left in the lane? Never knew this, but I will get out of the way for faster traffic by moving over to the right.

I haven’t had problems with drivers getting too close, they usually give me enough space when they overtake. If I am way below the speed limit I do stick to the right side for longer distances.

For day time visibility I use a high viz vest during the winter. But I am not sure how effective it is, as a car hit me while I was wearing it.

8

Hi-viz or not, they’ll get you even on the bikelanes.

You should use the right side of the streets, but in towns it’s just suicide. Use the center of the lane. Some redneck might give you some “advices” about that, but hey, it’s your safety.

Helsinki is shitty if you try to use the bikelanes. On the streets it’s easier, but there are some cobbles. You get used to those. And my Eterna seems to run fine. Some a-holes ride on the sidewalks, but that’s just wrong.